Deadly Head-on Crash in Julian on Pine Hills Road, Near SR-79

UPDATE 5/27: Rafael Garcia Rojas Mira, 35, of Julian, Identified as Crash Victim

JULIAN, Calif. (May 26, 2026) — A deadly, head-on crash that happened on Memorial Day in Julian left a local man dead and four others injured on Pine Hills Road, just south of State Route 79.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the two vehicles collided in the 3400 block of Pine Hills Road around 7 a.m. on Monday, May 25th.

Authorities determined a 24-year-old Hemet man driving a Toyota GR-86 was southbound on Pine Hills Road when the vehicle veered into the path of a northbound Hyundai Elantra, carrying three passengers, including Rafael Mira.

The Toyota reportedly caught on fire and became fully engulfed in flames, according to a report by City News Service.

Police closed down both lanes on Pine Hills Road South at Deer Lake Park Road following the collision and issued a Sigalert for several hours.

Rafael Garcia Rojas Mira, 35, of Julian, a passenger in the Hyundai, was pronounced dead upon the arrival of emergency responders, the San Diego Medical Examiner said. Paramedics transported a total of four people to hospitals, including the Hemet man who was seriously injured. The driver of the Hyundai had moderate injuries and two other passengers were hospitalized with major injuries.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Got Legal Questions? Get Answers: 1-800-208-3538

When it matters most, trust Attorney James Johnson at Johnson Attorneys Group. We are a personal injury law firm serving clients who have been injured throughout California due to negligent motorists. If you were hurt in this collision, call 1-(800) 208-3538. We will request the police report, and the attorney will discuss your options. You are under no obligation to hire us, and there is no cost unless we win your case. Our personal injury law firm is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).